The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

A School Gym with Stakes

For The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Stephens College, the scenic design transformed the stage into a recognizable middle school gymnasium, functional, slightly outdated, and brimming with community pride. The architecture leaned into wood-paneled walls, acoustic panels, mounted basketball hoops, and practical overhead fixtures to evoke the institutional tone of a multipurpose school space.

Ceremony and Sincerity

The composition centered on a raised platform framed by a bold competition banner, allowing the spelling bee to feel both ceremonial and modest. A recessed upstage area created depth while providing flexible staging for musical numbers and ensemble moments. Chairs, tables, and sponsor signage reinforced the local, volunteer-driven atmosphere of the event.

Competition with Heart

Material choices were intentionally straightforward: durable finishes, painted surfaces, and clear graphic elements that echoed the sincerity of a school environment. This grounded realism provided contrast to the musical’s vibrant costumes and emotional arcs.

The scenic design supported fast transitions and character-driven comedy while maintaining a cohesive visual world, nostalgic, playful, and rooted in everyday Americana.